This course evaluates the medieval history of Toledo from the era of the Visigoth Kingdom (6th-8th centuries) through its Islamic period (8th to 11th centuries) and into its reintegration into Christian Spain (after 1085 c.e.) In particular, we take note of the cultural and religious transformations that characterized the city with a special effort to understand how many peoples and religions came to settle and live amongst one another. We will virtually-tour the Islamic and Christian structures of the Museo de Santa Cruz, Iglesia de San Román, Sinagoga del Tránsito, Mezquita de Bab al-Mardum, Archivo Municipal de Toledo, and the Archivo Historico de la Nobleza.
We examine the Visigoths transition from Christian Arianism to Catholicism and the harsh treatment of the Jewish population. We explore Islamic governance and development of the medieval city of three faiths, with a special interest in its cultural achievements. We will study King Alfonso “The Wise” (1252-1284)’s efforts to characterize himself as the “king of three religions” via his legal codices, the creation of the Cantigas de Santa María, and his intellectual endeavor known as the Toledo School of Translators. We evaluate the robust Jewish and converso noble families of the city and appreciate their intellectual, religious, and economic contributions to Castilian life. We will bear witness to the rise of anti-Jewish blood purity statutes, the creation of the Inquisition, and the expulsion of the Jews. We also briefly introduce and study Spanish manuscripts from the municipal and cathedral archives to make new scholarly breakthroughs relating to the Jewish, Christian, and Muslim interrelations.
No knowledge of Spanish is needed to participate in the course or in our transcription efforts.

Reviews

Filled StarFilled StarFilled StarFilled StarHalf Faded Star

4.7 (7 ratings)

5 stars

86%

3 stars

14%

From the lesson

Course Introduction and an Abbreviated History

We start with a course introduction and an abbreviated history of ancient and medieval roots of the city of Toledo. This includes an introduction to medieval Europe, the Byzantine Empire, and the Islamic word.. We also explore the Visigothic Kingdom that called the city of Toledo its capital.

Taught By

Dr. Roger Louis Martínez-Dávila

Transcript

Hello. I'm Professor Roger Louis Martinez-Davila, and welcome to Deciphering Secrets, Unlocking the Manuscripts of Medieval Toledo. Well, I'm so glad you could join us for this course because it really is more than just a course about history. It's an investigation of history, and by that, I mean it's our opportunity to work together, to learn about what happened in Medieval Toledo. What were the relationships like between Jews, Christians, and Muslims? But, moreover, can we make new discoveries? Can we investigate manuscripts that are held inside the cathedral archives here, as well as the municipal archives and also the nobility archives? Do they hold secrets about what Toledo was about during the middle ages? So, I'm so glad you could join us. Today we're inside the Museo de El Transito or the Museo Sefardi, one of the oldest synagogues in the city, as well as one of the most important structures, religious structures that survives until today. So, thank you very much for joining us, and I'm glad to have you aboard.

Explore our Catalog

Join for free and get personalized recommendations, updates and offers.